Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Discusses USMCA and Infrastructure Priorities as Part of Future of Texas

Published Apr 29, 2019 by Sophia Guevara

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) shared her insights on what’s happening in Washington DC at the Partnership’s Future of Texas program on Friday, April 26. She discussed her priorities on the energy and environment, international trade and infrastructure for her first term in the United States House of Representatives.

Concerning energy and the environment, Congresswoman Garcia discussed her district’s tremendous energy economy and how her district’s workforce plays a significant role in powering the regional economy. Regarding the environment, Congresswoman Garcia shared an update on her district’s ongoing response to the ITC fire and the need for ongoing coordination between governmental entities, particularly in relation to emergency response procedures.

Congresswoman Garcia also gave her outlook on the U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). She said that some of her Democratic colleagues share and are working to address concerns about the agreement’s intellectual property provisions impacting biologic drugs and labor enforcement and environment rules.

Concerning infrastructure, Congresswoman Garcia discussed the potential for Congress to take up and consider an infrastructure package. A key infrastructure issue facing Texas’ 29th Congressional District and the Houston region’s long-term growth and prosperity is the capacity of our port to safely and efficiently accommodate two-way ship traffic. Congresswoman Garcia discussed the need for federal funding to widen and deepen the Houston Ship Channel to ease ship traffic flows.

The Partnership looks forward to continuing to work with Congresswoman Garcia on these issues to meaningfully advance our economy and workforce, build our infrastructure, and strengthen our position as a great global city.

Future of Texas features elected officials shaping Texas' future, gives Partnership members the opportunity to engage with these leaders and hear their perspectives on our state's most pressing issues.